Process of manufacturing matches.



UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

WILLIAM A. FAIRBURN, OF SHORT HILLS, NEW JERSEY, ASSIGNOR TO THE DIAMOND MATCH COMPANY, OF CHICAGO, ILLINOIS, A CORPORATION OF ILLINOIS.

'PROCESS OF MANUFACTURING MATCHES.

No Drawing.

' that is, matches in which the composition of the first dip, or bulb, includes, as a prime ingredient, an oxidizing agent such as chlorate of potash, and that of the second dip, or ignition tip, comprises or contains as the prime combustible sesquisulfid of phosphorus, or, red amorphous phosphorus,-it

has heretofore been difiicult to secure the unform and efficient tempering and drying of the two compositions under relatively high speed conditions on account of their widely different physical and chemical prop erties. I

It has been the practice to subject the matches in the chain plates of a continuous match making machine to the drying influence of atmospheric air throughout their travel from the first dipping station to the discharging station; and the maximum temperature and lowest comparative humidity that could be used were determined by the tip of sesquisulfid or amorphous phosphorus composition. This not only necessitated a relatively long period of travel of the match carrier between the first and second dipping 'stations,thus increasing the cycle of the match making operation and limiting the output of the machinebut it also was insufficient to insure efiicient solidity and homogeneity of the first dip, containing primarily chlorate of potash, or to eflect its tenacious attachment to the match splints.

I have discovered that the first dip, or chlorate of potash composition, if subjected to a temperature exceeding 100 F. and less relative humidity of 30 per cent. or less (preferably 20 per cent), immediately after the matches leave the first dipping station, is rapidly converted into a compact homogeneous substance which tightl grips the match splints and is not. easily ractured on or detached from the splints, either by the 7 natural expansion of the composition under Specification of Letters Patent.

Patented Aug. 24, 1915.

Application filed December 1, 1914. Serial No. 875,0M.

the influence of moisture, or by ordinary concussion or frictional impact. Moreover, the bulbs thus treated present a smooth, uniform appearance, being remarkably free from the pores, pits and'irregularities inci dent to the use of a low drying temperature. Furthermore, the bulbs, shortly after they leave the dipping station, are in receptive condition for the easily ignitible tipping composition at the second dipping station, which composition when applied may be subjected to a relatively iow drying temperature, say, about 70 with relative humidity between and 65 per cent. (preferably per cent.) even though traveling at a comparatively high speed. My inventionthus not only shortens the path of the match carrier between the dipping stations, as above mentioned, but it also enables such carrier to be driven at a much higher speed than formerly with the consequent result of a proportionate increase in the output of the machine in a given time.

In practising my invention I equip the match machine with twoseparate and independent drying zones comprising, preferably, two capacious trunks or chambers supplied with air properly conditioned and heated to the relatively high and low temperatures, with corresponding humidity, respectively, above indicated. The chamber supplied with air of high temperature, is located in the path of travel of the match carrier from the first to the 'second dipping station, so as to act upon the soft or wet first dip, or chlorate of potash composition, comprising the bulbs on the traveling splints, and the other chamber is located in the path of travel of the match carrier between the second dipping station and the discharging station, so as to act uponthe soft or plastic sesquisulfid of phosphorus, or amorphous phosphorus, composition comprising the sensitive tips.

I claim 1. In the manufacture of double-dipped matches upon a continuous match machine, a process which consists in applying to the match splints composition heads containing an oxidizing agent as a prime ingredient; then transporting the splints thus treated through a drying zone of relatively high temperature; then applying sensitive ignitible composition to the said heads, and,

finally, transporting the splints, thus headed andtipped, through a drying zone of relatively low temperature.

2. In the manufacture of double dipped matches upon a continuous match machine, a process which consists in applying heads of chlorate of potash composition to the match splints; then transporting the splints thus treated through a drying Zone of relatively high temperature; then applying sensitive ignitible composition to the said heads, and finally transporting the splints, thus headed and tipped, through a drying zone of relatively loW temperature.

8. In the manufacture of double dipped matches upon a continuous match machine, a process \vhichiconsists in applying heads or bulbs of chlorate of potash composition to the match splints, then transporting the splints thus treated through a drying zone at a temperature exceeding 100 F., and less than 150 F., With relative humidity not exceeding 30 per cent., then applying sensitive ignitible composition to the said heads or bulbs, and finally transporting the splints, thus headed and tipped, through a drying zone maintained at a temperature of about 70 F., With relative humidity between 50 and 65 per cent.

Signed at New York in the county and State of New York this 30th day of Novem-" her A. D. 1914.

WILLIAM A. FAIRBURN. Witnesses:

B. CHANDLER SNEAD,

F. R. GRIFFIN. 

